Lions play down controversial celebration

But Brisbane midfielder Ally Anderson has played down the Lions' controversial AFLW post-match celebrations against arch rivals Adelaide.

Crows co-captain Erin Phillips was not happy and even Lions coach Craig Starcevich complained after Brisbane celebrated last week's season-opening win over Adelaide by putting their fingers to their lips to silence their critics.

Anderson admitted the the Lions still felt they had been dismissed after their undefeated run was snapped in last year's grand final by Adelaide.

However the hard-tackling midfielder said the Lions did not want to be considered a cocky team ahead of Sunday's AFLW home clash with Western Bulldogs at South Pine Sports Complex.

"Maybe they are counting us out but it (post match celebration) was a spur of the moment thing," Anderson said.

"I didn't even know what was going on.

"We don't want to be seen as a cocky team and too full of ourselves.

"It was in the moment. I didn't really think about it."

Starcevich reprimanded his players for their celebration after the AFLW grand final rematch, saying it was "not our style".

But Anderson believed stoking a rivalry with Adelaide wasn't such a bad thing.

"I don't think it would be a proper AFLW competition if there weren't some rivalries," Anderson said.

"There are rivalries in every competition. I think there's a rivalry between us and Adelaide - it's good fun."

The Lions' tactics against Adelaide were reportedly noted by the AFL before they sent a controversial memo to AFLW clubs with recommendations to reduce congestion.

But Anderson said the new directive would not affect their game.

"I just think with our game style and the fact we have a really even team across the board, it will suit us," she said.